Sprint Football Falls 24-14 to Mansfield in Season Opener

In front of a record crowd of 6,223, the Princeton sprint football team did its best to slow down a deep Mansfield side but ultimately fell 24-14 Saturday evening on the road in its season opener.

The Mountaineers found the end zone on their first offensive possession, but in his first career game with the Tigers quarterback Chad Cowden responded with a 66-yard touchdown to Chris McCord to strike back. A blocked point after kick prevented Princeton from tying things up, as Mansfield returned the ball for a touchdown.

By halftime, the Mountaineers expanded their lead to 17-6.

Princeton saw its lone redzone opportunity in the fourth quarter; however the Tigers were unable to capitalize and Mansfield went on to add to its 17-point uncontested run to take a 24-6 game.

Cowden finished with two touchdowns, again connecting on long-range pass this time to John Wolfe for a 75-yard touchdown to make it a 10-point contest, 24-14, with 2:06 left in regulation.

The Tigers (0-1) hosts Navy next Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in their home opener at Princeton Stadium. The game will be one of only two home contests for Princeton this year.